Track is one of Mater Dei’s many well-decorated sports. With 49 CIF champions and 15 master championships, track athletes continue to work hard to achieve more. But what does working hard look like for these athletes?

Track is divided into several different events including running, jumping, and throwing. Every category goes through its own form of training, each with its own coach who has done that same event in the past. Coaches offer the skills they have learned to new track athletes. Head Track Coach Rick Martinez expresses how he loves the variety in track and field.

“There is a great diversity of events in track and it is enjoyable seeing different types of athletes train hard then compete,” Martinez said.

Running is what many people think of first when they think about track and field. Running involves sprints, middle distance, long distance, hurdles, and relays. Sprinters and runners at Mater Dei do drills every day. While working on form, sprinters will use parachutes as a means to weigh themselves back and gain resistance. Runners on the other hand perform other drills during practice like running a mile and pacing themselves. Junior and sprinter Savannah Muldrew explains how she feels during practice.

“After doing a parachute and sprinting a 150 [meter], I feel tired and winded, but I know I can do more and put more effort in,” Muldrew said. “Every time I do a drill at practice, I can feel that my form is getting better and that I’m getting faster.”

Jumping is another category in track. Jumping entails the high jump, long jump, pole vault and triple jump. Track athletes at Mater Dei start practice off with warm ups and team stretching. Their drills mainly consist of dynamics. Along with drills, jumpers are assigned workouts from their coach, including six 150 meters and ab workouts. Junior and stretch leader Luna Gonzalez talks about the sense of community. Her positive experience has motivated her to reach her own full potential.

“Practice is very fun for me,” Gonzalez said. I enjoy practicing with my teammates, and feeling the supportive community. I sometimes get tired, but I always push myself to do my best. It is super motivating to attempt to beat my PR and strive to do my best.” 

The last category of track is throwing. Throwing involves shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw. Throwers begin practice doing their own individual stretches. After stretches, athletes tape their wrists and begin to work on their form, speed, and balance. Senior and team captain Cristian Fallani explains his process during practice. 

“I stretch out my shoulders and hips, then tape my wrist until I can’t feel it,” Fallani said. “I usually throw about 30 times every practice, I try to get the most out of every practice before a meet.”`

Track and field is a very diverse sport with events for everyone. Practice can be difficult and tiring but many track athletes would say the prize is worth the price.